An Embodiment of Souls: A Novel

by Julia Laurel

As the daughter of a foreign ambassador, Rissa hoped living abroad would protect her from home’s puritanical customs where women are forbidden to walk at night or use magic except to support a necromancer’s dual identity. Alek, the youngest prince of the Memric Isle, hasn’t yet taken his Second body. Fearing he’ll be accused of sin and his body claimed as a Second himself, Alek lives piously while studying abroad, even though he’s distracted by magic—and his handsome roommate, Gable. When Alek meets Rissa by chance, his quiet life is thrown into chaos. One of Rissa’s fathers has been abducted, and Alek and Gable are witnesses. Alek and Rissa form a secret alliance to find her father and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy, risking life and freedom as they follow clues straight to the heart of the Memric Isle’s government.

Genres: Queer, Adult, Fantasy

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication November 10, 2026

About the author

Julia Laurel is a graphic designer, illustrator, and outdoor adventurer living in the Inland Northwest. She writes speculative fiction to dream up strange places, celebrate neurodivergent and queer identities and romance, and explore the dangers of conformity. An Embodiment of Souls is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Ernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure, as the author's agent I'm extremely biased.
But I have no chill and I can't wait for you all to read this incredible book. Add it to your want-to-read shelf RIGHT NOW!